Soccer Defending

Defensive Shape — 11v11 Walk-Through

Full team organisation drill to establish defensive structure and communication.

30 minDuration
22 playersGroup size
AdvancedDifficulty
Full pitchSpace needed
Bibs, balls, conesEquipment

Setup

Full pitch. Two full teams. Coach directs defensive team's shape.

Instructions

  1. Attacking team passes the ball around slowly on coach's instruction.
  2. Defensive team adjusts shape in response to ball position.
  3. Coach stops play to correct positions and distances.
  4. Progress to 50% speed, then live play.

Coaching Points

✓ Compactness — no big gaps between lines.
✓ Pressure the ball carrier.
✓ Back four stays flat when ball is wide.

Progressions

→ Add live pressing triggers.
→ Defending team must win and counter in 8 seconds.
→ No coaching cues — team self-organises.

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shape defending team full pitch
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